Magnetic Resonance MRI

Common Uses

Uses a powerful magnet to image organs, soft tissue and skeletal structure. Often used for imaging/evaluating:

• Orthopedic conditions (knees, wrists, ankles), sports injuries and spinal/back/neck injuries
• Ongoing issues like headaches, as well as brain function/activity and tumors in the body
• Potential heart problems and blockages
• Appendicitis in pregnant women

Pros/Benefits

• Minimally-to-non-invasive
• Information gathered may help eliminate unnecessary procedures or surgeries
• No radiation exposure
• Moderately fast: 20 to 30 minutes

Considerations

• May require a contrast agent during a certain exams. A small number of patients are allergic to the contrast
• Not recommended for:
  • Patients with implanted metal devices/pacemakers
  • Patients with poor kidney function/diabetics unless using non-contrast imaging techniques
• Challenging for obese and claustrophobic patients unless using large open bore MR system with noise reduction technology